Parenteral nutrition (PN) is an important and widely used component in the care of neonates and children when gastrointestinal immaturity or disease precludes nutritional needs being met via the enteral route. The process of providing PN is complex, technically demanding, requires skill and judgement, and is fraught with the risk of complications. The National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death (NCEPOD), an independent charity, has recently completed a case-based observational peer review of PN clinical practice in England, Wales and Northern Ireland-the first large-scale review of this type conducted in the UK. Based on the findings of the studies undertaken, NCEPOD makes recommendations to clinicians and management aimed at improving the quality of patient care. While undoubtedly this current report identifies evidence of good clinical practice it also highlights deficiencies that need careful evaluation by the healthcare community.
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